Obituary of Raymond I. Aroesty

Aroesty, Raymond I. Webster: February 24, 2008 at age 84. Survived by beloved wife, Brigette; step-daughters, Jackie Czamanske, Chris (Gary) Crawford & Irene (Mike) Melfi; grandchildren, Duncan, Tyler, Katie, Timmy, Becky, Penny & Patti; sisters, Belle (Chuck) Broutman and Lorriane (Sid) Bolkosky. Predeceased by his parents, Isaac & Buca and brother, Albert Aroesty. Ray lived in Rochester his entire life, and will be forever remembered as a very gentle soul. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 3 PM at Brighton Memorial Chapel (3325 Winton Road S.). Click here for directions. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Following the funeral the family will receive friends at the Jewish Home of Rochester from 5-8 PM. Click here for directions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Home Foundation 2021 Winton Road South Rochester, New York 14618 Link to the Jewish Home Foundation in his memory. Eulogy for Raymond Aroesty z”l Given 2/26/08 by Rabbi Sandra Katz We are here to celebrate the life of Ray Aroesty. We join his family: his wife, Brigette; Brigette’s daughters, Irene, Chris and Jackie; Gary, Mike and the grandkids Katie and Timmy, along with Penny, Patti, Duncan, Tyler and Becky; Ray’s sisters Belle and Lorraine, plus family and friends. Ray’s life began in Rochester. He grew up in the tightly-knit Sephardi community with his brother, Albert, of blessed memory, and his two sisters, Belle and Lorraine. As a young man, and throughout his life, Ray was a member of the Chicos, a group of Sephardi Jewish guys. Originally famous for crashing weddings and dancing with the Ashkenazi girls they could not date, the Chicos evolved into a mutually supportive group of men who treasured their memories together. Ray was one of those great dancers, and he sang, too. Ray served the cause of democracy as a medic during WWII. Stateside, he worked as a humble shoe salesman. Later in life he met Brigette at a mutual friend’s birthday party. He charmed her with his dancing and began a love that spanned decades. Ray took Brigette’s daughters into his own heart, starting when Irene opened the door and saw him the first time. Chris recalls how he took care of Timmy and Katie after school. Jackie is grateful for Ray’s support of her education. In addition to dancing, Ray stayed active by taking walks even as his age advanced. The neighbors started calling him the “energizer bunny.” Ray listened even when it seemed he did not, and he loved to share laughter with his family. Even as his health declined in the last two years at the Jewish Home, Ray radiated joie de vivre. He became a beloved and reliable member of our daily prayer group. Ray had a quiet courage in the face of daunting circumstances. With no known imprecation stronger than “I don’t appreciate this,” Ray earned a reputation as a gentle soul. Friends and family will miss Ray who, until the end, thought of others. Many will remember his departing salutation, “Take care.” May Ray’s memory move and inspire us, and may his kind, gentle soul rest in peace. Home Webster, New York Birthplace Rochester, New York